Sofa-bed with forward turning back



Dec. 12, 1950 LORENZ 2,534,175

SOFA-BED WITH FORWARD TURNING BACK Filed Sept. 18, 1946 s Sheets-Sheet 1 I -70 Hhhw u INVENTOR.

@Qmfifl Qfiorwgs.

Dec. 12, 1950 A. LORENZ SOFA-BED WITH FORWARD TURNING BACK 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 18, 1946 IN VEN TOR.

Dec. 12, 1950 A. LORENZ SOFA-BED WITH FORWARD TURNING BACK 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 18, 1946 IN V EN TOR.

Qfi'orn ys Patented Dec. 12, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to a sofa-bed, and particularly to the type which is free and. independent of the walls of the room in which it is placed. Various attempts have been made to provide an article of furniture which can be used as a sofa or seat in the daytime, and converted into a bed at night, but the results heretofore have been unsatisfactory because the products were not comfortable or convenient as either a seat or bed, or could not be made up and held ready for use as a bed while conditioned for use as a sofa seat, or could not be easily converted from a seat to a bed and vice versa, or were not free of the walls of the room in which used.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved sofa-bed, which, when converted for use as a sofa seat, will be an attractive piece of furniture of standard dimensions of the seat, for full comfort and practical use and have the usual appearance of a sofa seat; which may be easily and quickly converted into a fully made-up bed of full, single bed size, with a soft, uniformly comfortable mattress, by simple, easy manipulations, with the upper face of the mattress at about the level of the upper face of the mattress of a standard bed; which may be made up ready for use as a bed and easily and quickly reconverted into a comfortable sofa seat by simple and easy manipulations; and which will be relatively simple, strong, durable, compact, practical and inexpensive in construction.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out hereinafter in connection with the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of a sofa-bed constructed in accordance with this invention, as made up for use as a sofa seat;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation of the same, the section being taken approximately along the line 22 of Fig. 1, but with the sofa-bed converted for use as a bed;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the sofa-bed. when made up as a sofa-seat, with one side arm broken away;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of one end portion thereof, the section being taken approximately along the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section of a modified form of latch;

Fig. 6 is another transverse, sectional elevation,

somewhat similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating still another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. '7 is another transverse, sectional elevation somewhat similar to Figs. 3 and '7 but illustrating still another and presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the sofa-bed includes a seat I that may be hard or cushioned as desired. This seat has a length equal to the standard length of a bed and a depth from front to rear equal to that desired in a standard sofa seat for maximum sitting comfort. A support has spaced, upright,

rigid end elements 2 connected, adjacent their lower edges, by a brace or cross bar 3. A back member 4 having a length approximately equal to that of the seat, and a width approximately equal to that of a standard. single or twin bed,

forwardly extending apertured lugs 5 that are disposed alongside the inside faces of elements 2. The elements 2 carry on their inner face pro jecting bearing lugs or pins 5 which have rocking bearing in the apertures of lugs 5, to provide a rocking bearing or fulcrum for the back member. The pins 5 are aligned and serve as a stationary fulcrum or rocking axis for the back member.

The seat, at its ends adjacent the upper rear corner edges of the seat, is also pivotally mounted on the pins 5, but when the member 4 is in its generally upright position, its forward face, below its lugs 5, abuts against the rear edge face of the seat and holds the seat in a generally hori zontal position as shown in Fig. 1'. When the back member 4 is swung on pins 5 forwardly over the seat into a generally horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 2, the lower part of the member 4 moves away from seat i and the released seat then swings dowrnvardlg on pins 'c at its forward part into the position shown in Fig. 2. The face of the member 15 which was the rear face when the member was upright, is now the upper face of the member 51 and serves as the bed surface on which a person reclines for sleeping. This upper face may be a mattress face or otherwise cushioned to provide a soft bed.

Suitable means is provided as an interlock between end elements 2 and the hack member 4 for holding the latter releasably in each of its two positions, that is, either the upright or sofa position, or in the horizontal or bed position. The

particular details of such an interlock are not material to this invention, because so many different types of interlocks or holding means may be employed, and are generally considered as separate subjects of invention. As a simple example, a pin l is threaded through one or each of the end elements 2 so as to move into and out of either of two apertures 3 and 9 in the end faces,,*of backmember 4. When-pin'l is ,in the aperture il, it holds the back member releasably in its upright position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, where it serves as the back of the sofa seat. When the pin 1 is in theaperturefi. whichis possible when the back member 4 is in its 'horizontal or bed position, it holds the member "4i releasably in such horizontal position where it illustrated in Fig. 5,- the pinlhaving .alugefi,

adapted to engage one or the other of recesses 3.] ,and .32 in the. element 2. When the bolt is .in the positionshown, the lug jflis in the recesstz, and the pin 1 is locked in its holding position. When ,given .a'slight turn to disengage the lug 3.0 from therecesspSZ the pin can bepullcdout into thedottedline position and aslight turn will then engage the lug in the recess 3,! lockingit in its out position. This ,constructionis similar to ,the common Ibolt used to latch doors.

While the .seatand member- 5 may, have their faces thatengage the. human body, cushioned or constructed ,in'any. suitable manner within the broadest ooncept of theinvention the particular construction, illustrated in, Figs. 2V and 4 .has many advantages and is,..-Dresently referred. Theseat is formed of a rigidframe to resembling ashallowbox opening upwardly, and, in which is. removably mounted a cushioned seat. l that mayinclude inner, upholstery springs l2. The aperture to receive. the bearing pins or lugs 6 may beproyided in theend ,Wallsofthebox. The back member A includes ,a rectangular frame 13, open .at both faces, with ,a conventional ,or suitable .foundation or bed bottom l.4 .between its faces and parallel thereto.- This foundation may, as shown, beformed-of flexible. straps extending betweenopposite margins of the .frame lfia'nd which are either inherently elastic or include elastic elements such ,as tensioned, helical springs Ha therein to provide a resiliently flexible wall. Such ,anfiexible wall or foundation is newcommonly employed as bed springs forstandard beds, andw eeds nofurther description.

.A padlfiis disposed onthe front ,face of said foundation, which, as, shown, may include cushionlsprings l6. therein, and has itsouter surface. shaped .to conform tothe natural curvature .of...the-huma,n spine. ,A-mattressll having inner springs I8 therein, .is .removably secured .in frameJS against the oppositeface of .the foundation, s;as toprovide a verycomfortablebed upon which one .maysleep whenthemember 4 ,is .horizontal. The sheets, blankets and pillowsfnot shown) may be applied to the mattress ll as usual in making up abedand confined thereto in .any-suitable way, .not shown, butof: which straps extending betweensidesbf frame .!3,.are anexample.

In the construction .is ,similar .to that of Figs. .1, to. .4. except. that. the end elements.

arry wo paced ap t i t s 9 ancrza. n wh ch th eseat I andfbaqkmemberd are individually pivoted, but on stationary axes.

In Fig. 7, the back member 4 is pivoted on pivot pins 6 carried on the inside faces of the end elements 2, and links 2i are pivoted at 22 tothe ends of the back member 4 so as to extend forwardly and downwardly therefrom when the member 4 is in its upright position. The forward ends of links 2| are hinged at 2-3 to the ends of the seat I adjacent the upper, rear corner edge thereof, with the rear edge face of the seat resting against and supported by the forward face of the back member, below the axis of pin 6: When the back member 4 is swung forwardly on axis, pins 6 into its horizontal or bed position, shown by dash lines C, the links 2i will lower therear edge of the seat 5, and at the same time release the rear edge face of the seat, so that the forward'part of the seat may also swing=downwardly into an inclined position shown by dash lines D. This makes it possible to pivot the back member on an axis at a lower level than in any of the other embodiments, and enables the bedsurface to be disposed also at a lower level, which is a very desirable feature.

Rollers 26 ,may be provided at the front lower corners of seat 5 to prevent scuiiing of the floor or rugs when movement of the seat i takes place.

In allof the embodiments, the seat 8 may have its upper face forwardly and upwardly inclined, as shown, or level, as .may bedesired, and it may have any desired depth so as to be perfectly comfortable as a sofa seat. The forward edge face of the, seat 1 is preferably closely adjacentthe forward upright edges of the end elements 2, so as to have the appearance of the usualsofaseat. Theback member may have a slight rearwardtilt in its upright position, so as to provide maximum comfort when used as a back rest on a sofa seat. The back member may be balanced on .its pivotal axis so as to be easily rockableinto either upright or horizontal positions with a 'minimumof effort, and the lower edge in each embodiment may be counterweighted (as at 24in Fig. 7) to the extent necessary toprovide the approximate balance on the member 3.

The cross bar or brace .3 is preferably disposed so as to be approximately engaged by the lower edge of the, upright member 4 and thus serve as alimit stopfor the member Ll when the latter is inits upright position, or separate limit stops may be provided to limit movement'of member 4 beyond both generall upright and horizontal positions.

It will be observed that a sofa-bed embodying this invention is free and independent of the walls of the room in which it is used and may be used in any position in the room. The bed may be made up by amaid or housewife while the member ll is horizontal, the blankets and pillows secured-thereto, and then by asimple manipulation, after release of lock pin"! 'from member 4, the latter may be swung with-little effort into its upright position where .it serves ;as the back rest of a very=comfortable sofa seat. It may be secured in upright position by reinserting pin 1 into the member A. When one .desires to conver-t this sofa-bed into a bed, the pin '5 is operated to release the member d, the latter is then .swungforwardly into its horizontalposition, andthe pin '1 reapplied .to member 4. It then provides a. very comfortable bed of standard, single bed size and at the proper sleeping level.

It will be understood that various, changes in the details, materials and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention, as ex pressed in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A sofa-bed comprising a seat, a support on which said seat is hinged on a horizontal axis adjacent the upper rear corner edge of said seat, a back member disposed in a generally upright position with a face flat against the rear edge of said seat and holding the seat in a generally horizontal position, said member having a hinged connection to said support for rocking on a stationary, horizontal axis located intermediate the upper and lower edges of said member, to guide said member forwardly over said seat into a generally horizontal position with its rear edge disposed well rearwardly from the rear edge of said seat and releasing raid seat to rock downwardly on its axis, a releasable interlock between said support and member for holding said member selectively in its said upright and its said horizontal positions, and a cushioned bed carried on the upper face of said horizontal member for movement therewith.

2. A sofa-bed, free and independent of the walls of the room in which it is placed, which comprises a seat, a support including end elements between which the seat is disposed, a back member extending between said elements and at its ends pivotally hinged to said elements on a stationary axis which is disposed intermediate of its side edges, said member being rockable on said axis from a generally upright position approximately adjacent the rear of said seat to another position in which it is generally horizontal above said seat, a link hinged to each end of said member above said axis when said member is upright and extending forwardly and downwardly from said member in overrunning relation to the adjacent end portion of said seat, and there hinged to said seat adjacent its upper rear corner edge, whereby when said member is in its upright position, it acts through said links to hold the rear part of the seat elevated, with the seat supported against downward swinging at its forward part, by engagement of its rear edge face against the forward face of said upright member, and when said member is swung forwardly into its horizontal position the links lower the rear part of said seat and said member releases the rear edge face of said seat to allow said seat to swing downwardly at its forward part, and means for releasably holding said member against rocking movement on said axis when said member is in each of its said positions.

3. A sofa-bed, free and independent of the walls of the room in which it is placed, which comprises a seat, a support including end elements between which the seat is disposed, a back member extending between said elements and at its ends pivotally hinged to said elements on a stationary axis which is disposed intermediate of its side edges, said member being rockable on said axis from a generally upright position approximately adjacent the rear of said seat to another position in which it is generally horizontal above said seat, link means pivoted to said member above said axis when said member is upright and extending forwardly and downwardly from said member and there hinged to said seat adjacent the latters upper, rear corner edge, with the rear edge face of said seat abutting against the lower part of said upright member and thereby held against downward rotation at its forward part, said link means acting, when said member is swung forwardly into said horizontal position, to lower the rear part of said seat, the upward and rearward movement f the lower part of the upright member releasing the seat to swing downwardly at its forward part, and means for releasably holding said member against rocking movement on said axis when said member is in each of its said positions.

4. A sofa-bed, free and independent of the walls of the room in which it is placed, which comprises a seat, a support including end elements between which the seat is disposed, a back member extending between said elements and at its ends pivotally hinged to said elements on a stationary axis which is disposed intermediate of its side edges, and forwardly of its forward face when in a generally upright position, said member being rockable on said axis from said upright position to a generally horizontal position above said seat, said seat being also hinged adjacent its upper rear corner edge for rocking on said axis and, when said member is in said upright position, abutting at its rear edge face against the forward face of said member below said axis, to be held with its upper face generally horizontal, said seat swinging downwardly at its forward part when said member is swung forwardly into said horizontal position, and means for releasably holding said member against rocking movement on said axis when said member is in each of its said positions.

ANTON LORENZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 511,533 Lard Dec. 26, 1893 515,686 Hyller Feb. 27, 1894 791,720 Owen June 6, 1905 791,721 Owen June 6, 1905 895,264 Harris et a1 Aug. 4, 1908 1,014,535 Sweeney Jan. 9, 1912 1,228,604 Sandell June 5, 1917 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 467,008 Great Britain June 9, 1937 

